CAIRO, July 19, 2017 (WAFA) – Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit condemned on Wednesday the Israeli authorities' use of violence and other arbitrary measures against Palestinian residents of occupied Jerusalem, especially in the vicinity of Al-Aqsa Mosque.

In a press statement, Aboul Gheit called on Israel to immediately cease such practices and procedures and fully respect the sanctity of the Holy Mosque.

The Secretary-General also warned of the Israeli escalation that began last Friday, which included the imposition of various obstacles to the practice of Muslims of their religious rituals, such as the closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque and erecting electronic gates at the entrances of the compound.

He pointed out that these actions constitute a clear violation of international human rights law, which is the right to freedom of practicing religious rituals.

Aboul Gheit warned that these practices will only lead to more tension and inflame the situation in the city of Jerusalem, provoke the feelings of Muslims in general, and will negatively impact any chances for a political settlement between the Palestinians and the Israelis during the current period.

Israeli forces closed the holy compound for two days following a shooting attack that left three Palestinians and two Israeli policemen dead on Friday.

Although the compound was reopened Sunday, Israeli authorities have erected metal detectors at the entrances of the Al-Aqsa compound, a move that was largely refused by Palestinians.

The recent Israeli measures have ignited protests among Palestinians in East Jerusalem who were violently attacked by Israeli forces.